Seoul Education Chief Candidates Vow Dignified Policy Election

In an unprecedented move just a day before the official campaign period for the June local elections, candidates for the Seoul Superintendent of Education, Jung Geun-sik (progressive) and Yoon Ho-sang (conservative), have joined forces to declare their commitment to a "clean and dignified policy-based election." This rare joint declaration by candidates from opposing political camps signals a shared desire to elevate the discourse surrounding educational policy and present a united front in a race marked by a high number of contenders.

The two candidates held a joint press conference in Seoul, where they unveiled their "Joint Declaration for a Dignified Seoul Superintendent of Education Election and Future Education." Both Jung and Yoon were selected as the unified candidates for their respective progressive and conservative blocs through separate internal selection processes. Their joint appearance underscores their intention to differentiate themselves from other candidates who may not have secured unified support and to emphasize their shared vision for Seoul's education system.

In their declaration, Jung and Yoon stated, "The Seoul Superintendent of Education election should not be an election of conflict and slander, but a policy election where we responsibly discuss the future of education in front of Seoul's students, parents, teachers, and citizens." They emphasized their mutual respect for each other's educational philosophies and policy differences, while agreeing that the election must be a platform for dignified and fair policy competition. Their agenda includes critical issues such as school safety, student mental health, academic achievement, future education in the AI era, reducing the burden of private education costs, balancing teacher and student rights, childcare and after-school programs, special and multicultural education, and career and college counseling.

Crucially, the candidates pledged to avoid negative campaigning, vowing not to engage in personal attacks, the spread of false information, smear campaigns, slander against families, or malicious attacks via anonymous social media. "The election for Superintendent of Education is also an election that students witness as a process of democracy," they stated. "We will compete, but maintain dignity; we will criticize, but base it on facts and policies." This commitment to a high-minded campaign is particularly significant given the high competition, with eight candidates registered for the Seoul Superintendent of Education race, the highest in the nation. Their joint effort aims to set a precedent for constructive political engagement in the education sector.